D.O.R.A.

[Maghreb 0]

Hi Guys,

Well I went to my appointement to talk to an officer about why did it take too long for me to get a Biometrics appointement. Basically, she said as my NOA was dated Feb2 that means that my 90 days starts from there. So, I should get my appointement anytime soon. another thing, she mentioned that if they couldnt finish the case 70days from Feb they will send me a letter.

She didnt say anything why my case can not be retrieved online. All she said was last time they touched your case in MSC was feb 26....Go figure

[Gman 0]

I know that doesn't sound like the best news in the world... but it's certainly not bad news. It's essentially as we thought -- things going to plan, just a little delayed (probably backlog over the holiday season).

At the very least it should be a load off your mind that there's nothing wrong with your application.

See -- it helps to put a positive spin on these things!

[Maghreb 0]

I know that doesn't sound like the best news in the world... but it's certainly not bad news. It's essentially as we thought -- things going to plan, just a little delayed (probably backlog over the holiday season).

At the very least it should be a load off your mind that there's nothing wrong with your application.

See -- it helps to put a positive spin on these things!

As you said it helps to know that at least someone is out there going through the case... After I finished my appt at the USCIS, I went for a job interview. They needed a temp, but at least it s something to make me busy,and get my feet wet. And guess what, I got the job. a job that's different from the I came for, and that has an extra $3/hour

Pray for me, so that my first day wont be a disaster

Edited March 10, 2006 by Maghreb

[Gman 0]

Well congratulations on your job interview success.

If you're already eligible for work that puts you one step ahead of most people in the DORA program who have to wait for AOS or apply later for EAD.

[k1_visa 0]

Gman: I think a good source of finding jobs is the dallas morning news on line

Good luck!

[Inlove_tx 0]

Hi all!

Any news, anybody???

[k1_visa 0]

No

[Gman 0]

Thanks for the tip k1_visa -- I'll check it out.

No real news on my front - in discussions on job, based in Denver or NYC. Plus a few things in Dallas maybe but I'm interested in the former so I'm kinda holding out for that.

[Maghreb 0]

Thanks for the tip k1_visa -- I'll check it out.

No real news on my front - in discussions on job, based in Denver or NYC. Plus a few things in Dallas maybe but I'm interested in the former so I'm kinda holding out for that.

Thanks man, It s really though in this job. You know there is a huge difference between what school teaches you, and whats out in the real world....

You can try Temp agencies to get a job, this way you wont lose time. You know some time they offer you long term assignements. Also, they are not very picky, as they are gonna make money out of you.

Regarding my work permit, i got it prior to the DORA, as I was an F1

[Collie 122]

Hi everyone I have a few wee DORA questions.

With the DORA process, how many interviews does it involve and what is each interview for and what sort of space is between each?

Is the EAD and SSN given at the same time as the GC or does one apply for those and receive them prior to the GC?

We have an attorney helping us with our petition and are just at the stage of him preparing our petition so we haven't actually had any interviews yet with the DORA people but I anticipate that it will be soon.

I can't update the timeline because this darn computer keeps on coming up with a blank white page which is so annoying. We married in February 2006 and I came in November 2005 on the vwp and thats really all I could add to the timeline if it worked for me!

Thanks in advance,

Kat

[Inlove_tx 0]

Hi Kat, welcome to our little DORA corner!!!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

With the DORA process, how many interviews does it involve and what is each interview for and what sort of space is between each?

With DORA you only have one interview the same day you file, and you give your paperwork to the officer that same day instead of mailing it to the Chicago lockbox address...it's a pretty good thing because you know right away if there's any problems with your application or if anything's missing. If everything is okay, you'll have the interview that very day and if you pass it, you start your 90-day countdown from there and just sit back trying to relax...waiting for the Biometrics letter to show up (when they take your fingerprints and picture)!

Is the EAD and SSN given at the same time as the GC or does one apply for those and receive them prior to the GC?

Since the DORA program is supposed to try and complete the entire Adjustment of Status process within 90 days (there's their goal, but so many times it's not possible), you can't file for EAD or AP right away. After 70 days, if the realize that they will not be able to complete everything within 90 days, they will mail you a letter (we call it the "70th day letter") allowing you to apply for EAD and/or AP. Once you get the EAD you can apply for your SSN...if not, you need to wait until you get your Green Card.

We have an attorney helping us with our petition and are just at the stage of him preparing our petition so we haven't actually had any interviews yet with the DORA people but I anticipate that it will be soon.

GOOD LUCK on that!!! If you want to know about other DORA interview experiences, we all posted a few a while ago...make a search if you can. I'll try to look for the old thread and post it!

Let me know if you need any more info!

P.S. If I can ask...does your nick name mean you love collies (the dogs)???

[Collie 122]

Oh I just love getting clear cut answers! Thank you!

My name certainly does reflect my love for Border collies and my love for dogs in general as a canine behaviourist. I just love the breed thanks to my first Border collie Meg that I trained and handled for her incapacitated owner, taking me all the way to compete in championship obedience and championship agility including Crufts as well as a multitude of other activities.

I have a wonderful little BC girl now called Kes who is just a few days short of her 1st birthday and she is showing potential beyond what I ever imagined and should be in the ring by the end of the summer.

I'm not sure if I can post pics on here but here goes!

[Inlove_tx 0]

Collie:

Your Kes is GORGEOUS!!! I love dogs too, my husband and I adopted a sweet little mutt (a blueheeler mix) from the pound last year...maybe we could meet with our doggies, sometimes!

If you need any help with the DORA process, please don't hesitate to contact me. I received my Green Card last November and I'd be happy to help you!

[Collie 122]

Thank you! You are so nice and we could definitely meet up with our doggies! Kes just loves to play with other dogs or people and is a very friendly pup.

I just love it over here at VJ and hate the british expat forum. I always get my head chewed off over there

if you are on msn my msn email is katcollies@hotmail.com

[Gman 0]

Hi Collie,

Inlove_TX has covered most of your questions but I thought I'd chip in with further clarification:

Is the EAD and SSN given at the same time as the GC or does one apply for those and receive them prior to the GC?

SSN:

Most people here came in on a K1 visa in which case you're entitled to an SSN before marriage. In your case however, I would imagine you won't be able to get it until you have a green card (maybe you could get it using your AOS receipt letter but I'm not sure).

EAD:

There's no point in getting EAD when you get your green card because a green card entitles you to work. So with DORA what generally happens is that, should your AOS take >90 days, you can apply for EAD and AP to essentially tie you over until your AOS is complete. (That's what I did.)

Lawyers & non K1 marriage:

Based on my experience (K1) I would generally advise not to get a lawyer -- I just think it's an unnecessary expense and, unless you get someone who's sharp, they are just as likely to make mistakes as you.

That said, in your case, I think you're absolutely right to. I'm sure you know "Entering under VWP with intention of getting married" = bad while "Entering under VWP and then deciding to get married" = OK. I don't know of anyone else within our little DORA community who's done this (and therefore I might be talking nonsense) but I would make sure you discuss this thoroughly with your lawyer and be prepared. My AOS interview was a walk in the park because everything (fortunately) was by the book but, I should imagine, you will be asked whether you intended to get married when you entered etc. I'm not trying to scare you -- or indeed chew your head off -- I just want to make sure you know you might not be in for as smooth a ride as other people. From what you've written above your case sounds genuine and reasonable so I wouldn't be too nervous. Good luck to ya.

Right y'all. That's quite a lot of spout from me so I'll wrap up! Gotta pack.... long weekend of skiing ahead of me. (What?!?!! It makes sense to go while I'm unemployed right?!)

Gman

PS - Collie, I'm sure you know this but just in case you don't.... I'd be wary of posting your email address directly because it'll be harvested in no time by spiders and bots that trawl through sites such as this, although hotmail has pretty good spam filters anyway. Breaking your email up into human readable form such as gmanRemoveThis at hotmail dot com is common practice -- as is using VJ's emailer to initiate contact. (That's not my email address by the way!)

PPS - Previewing this post, its tone comes across as a bit... um... parenty and superior. Please don't take it that way. (If you don't think it comes across that way then please ignore this bit... )